The Novena to St. Jude: Hope for the Hopeless

For centuries, Catholics around the world have turned to Saint Jude Thaddeus, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus, as a special intercessor in desperate and seemingly hopeless situations. Known as the “Patron of Hopeless Cases,” St. Jude is a source of comfort for anyone carrying heavy burdens, financial struggles, illness, or urgent needs.

What is a Novena?

The word novena comes from the Latin word for “nine.” A novena is a traditional Catholic devotion in which a prayer is offered for nine consecutive days, asking God’s grace through the intercession of a saint. Novenas are not magic formulas but acts of faith, persistence, and trust in God. They reflect Christ’s call to “pray always and never lose heart” (Luke 18:1).

Why Pray to St. Jude?

Saint Jude was a relative of Jesus and a faithful apostle who spread the Gospel with courage. Because his name was often confused with Judas Iscariot, many avoided invoking him for centuries. For this reason, St. Jude became known as the saint of last resort, the one to turn to when all else seemed lost. Today, countless faithful testify to answered prayers and powerful help through his intercession.

The Novena Prayer to St. Jude

Below is the most common and traditional novena prayer used around the world. You may pray it for nine consecutive days, or return to it daily whenever you are in need:

(Insert the prayer text here — see above section)

How to Pray the Novena

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
• Pray the Novena Prayer to St. Jude slowly and sincerely.
• Pause to present your personal petitions to God.
• Conclude with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
• Remain faithful for nine days, or pray it daily for ongoing needs.

Trust in God’s Timing

When we pray a novena, we entrust our needs to God through the prayers of His saints. Sometimes the answer is immediate; other times, God responds in unexpected ways. What matters is that we grow in faith, hope, and love — knowing we are never alone.

“Saint Jude, Apostle of Christ, pray for us.”

Novena Prayer to St. Jude

O most holy Apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus.
The Church honors and invokes you universally,
as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of.
Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.

Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you,
to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of.
Come to my assistance in this great need,
that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven
in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings,
particularly… (state your petitions here) …
and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever.

I promise, O blessed Saint Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor,
to always honor you as my special and powerful patron,
and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen.

Concluding Prayers

• 1 Our Father
• 1 Hail Mary
• 1 Glory Be